Generally speaking, I don't think most teachers, or those who aspire to be teachers, wake up one day and say, "Hey, that's what I want to do - I want to teach." I certainly did not. For me, it took a series of personal experiences, reflections, learning opportunities and time to really really think to conclude that teaching might be the exact correct path for me. Children are who we influence them to be. And as any adult, that is a pretty powerful role to fill the shoes of. When I think back on my young self (well, younger at least), I can see where parts of me come from. Sure, a lot is from my parents and family - but then there are all the other parts. And who makes up all those other parts? Coaches, camp counselors, babysitters, friends but most importantly teachers. I looked at them and wondered, "Could I be like that? Will people like me as much as I like Mr. Sanborn?" And then there were the others, "So help me God if I am ever as rude, fat and lazy as that witch they call an English teacher." So, I made a checklist in my mind, good things about people that I liked, and things I never wanted to be anything like. Teachers taught me a lot of that, and they still currently are.
So, even though I didn't wake up knowing I wanted to be a teacher, my life has largely been compromised around being in school, watching teachers, trying to learn and growing as an individual. Personally, I feel like I am here and was born to be a mom. That may sound ridiculous and some may wonder how I could know that, but trust me, I just know. But until I have my own kids to influence, help and care for - why not reach as many other kids as I can until then? And even after that? Because I know how much my teachers have done for me, and most of that has nothing to do with learning. If I can do half, even a quarter, as much as some of my most admired teachers did for me for at least one or two students in my future as an educator, maybe they will go on to do the same. And so on.
If I can teach a student how to be proud of themselves, help them find who they are or give them courage and support to discover more - who knows what they will go on to do and become. And if I have become who I am today because of my parents, mentors, teachers and coaches - giving it back is the only way I know how to thank all of those people for helping me become Brianne. And to be Brianne is a pretty lucky thing.
So, even though I didn't wake up knowing I wanted to be a teacher, my life has largely been compromised around being in school, watching teachers, trying to learn and growing as an individual. Personally, I feel like I am here and was born to be a mom. That may sound ridiculous and some may wonder how I could know that, but trust me, I just know. But until I have my own kids to influence, help and care for - why not reach as many other kids as I can until then? And even after that? Because I know how much my teachers have done for me, and most of that has nothing to do with learning. If I can do half, even a quarter, as much as some of my most admired teachers did for me for at least one or two students in my future as an educator, maybe they will go on to do the same. And so on.
If I can teach a student how to be proud of themselves, help them find who they are or give them courage and support to discover more - who knows what they will go on to do and become. And if I have become who I am today because of my parents, mentors, teachers and coaches - giving it back is the only way I know how to thank all of those people for helping me become Brianne. And to be Brianne is a pretty lucky thing.